Erection problems, what are they?

What is an erection? Erection is a condition characterized by an increase in the excitability of the cells of the nervous and reproductive systems. This process is inextricably linked with two main systems, the manifestation occurs among the organs of the reproductive system, but the nervous one plays the most important role. There is an uninterrupted stream of impulses, in which there is an increased filling of the genitals with blood and their increase in size, along with this, an increase in the sensitivity of especially innervated zones is observed, which, with their receptors, transmit information to the cerebral cortex and turn everything described above into a state of orgasm.

Features of erectile function

An erection is considered to be an acquired condition. In newborn boys, such a reaction does not appear, but as the body grows up and artificial stimulation is created, it can manifest itself. Erection reaches its peak at the age of 16-25. This is due to puberty. A young man's body currently contains a large amount of testosterone, which can increase his sexual activity. In addition, young people become sexually active, which also increases the sensitivity of their organs. As the body matures, the state of sexual function has remained at consistently high levels for several decades, but later it begins to decline.

Normally, a healthy sexually active man may experience problems with the onset of an erection. In the beginning, these are isolated cases or a change in her character. But already at a later age, an erection can completely fade away, but there are many different reasons for this. From a scientific point of view, it should exist for the rest of life, but testosterone levels also decrease as the body ages, which reduces sexual activity. In late old age, there is also almost no full erection in men.

Risk groups

Almost every man faces in his life such a serious problem as erectile dysfunction. Most often, men are at risk, with an average age of 45-55 years and older. In young people, this condition rarely develops, but the reason for this can be quite complex. Erectile dysfunction should not always be distinguished as a pathological condition, it can be a physiological process with some changes in the body.

Causes of erectile dysfunction

All causes of erectile dysfunction can be divided into several main groups. Most of all, a man begins to worry about the question of why there is no erection. The two most basic ones are: physiological and pathological.

• The first is the state of the body, in which there may be a decrease in testosterone or the very desire not to have sexual intercourse, which will also affect the state of the genitals. These include prolonged physical or psychological stress, prolonged stress and insufficient intake of nutrients in the body. The most common reason for the lack of an erection, especially in young people, is considered stressful. A man in the modern world is very susceptible to depression or nervous exhaustion.

Pathological conditions include the reactions of the reproductive system in response to various diseases of the genital area or the whole body.

The reasons for the changes are considered:

• Vascular disorders. With age, men, as well as women, disrupt the work of the cardiovascular system. In particular, the likelihood of cholesterol plaque deposition on the walls of blood vessels increases. In addition, the elasticity of the tissues of the endothelium of the circulatory system is also disrupted. It becomes less elastic and prone to sclerosis. Similar conditions are manifested in the entire circulatory system of the body, in particular in the genitals. As a result, the normal blood supply and the filling of the vascular bed with blood are disrupted. As a result, an erection may not come at all, or it may become less pronounced or appear more late. A similar condition begins on average from 40 years old and gradually progresses throughout life. Men suffering from coronary heart disease, arterial hypertension, etc. are especially susceptible to this cause.
• Effects of drugs. A similar condition develops as an acquired one, but at the same time men at any age can face it. Only the underlying disease for which the drugs are prescribed will affect this. The most common drugs used in chemotherapy of malignant tumors, hormones, as well as antidepressants or sedatives. The mechanism may be different, but in most cases there is an extinction of the effects of sex hormones, in particular testosterone. As a result, the man is not only noted erectile dysfunction, but also a change in sperm production. A spermogram often reveals a decrease in mobility or the appearance of defects.In some cases, the effect may be reversible when no major structural changes have occurred. But in the case of chemotherapy drugs or prolonged use of hormones, a serious change in the tissues of the genitals can occur, which will lead to disruption of their work.
• Pathologies of the nervous system. These are not only acquired states of nervous exhaustion, but also, for example, disturbances in the transmission of nerve impulses. A similar condition can occur with osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, as well as disorders of the innervation of the sacral plexus. As a result, the nerve roots are pinched and the nerve impulse is transmitted worse or not transmitted at all. In men, this can be a gradually progressive decrease in erection, up to a complete cessation.
• Diseases of the prostate gland. This is also one of the possible and common reasons for the development of erectile dysfunction. These include prostate adenoma, which develops as a result of an increase in organ tissue and the gradual compression of adjacent organs. Along with urination, it disrupts the normal blood flow in the genitals.

Inflammatory processes and their consequences can influence to a lesser extent. In particular, it is chronic and acute prostatitis. It can affect the erection and the condition of the testicles. Inflammation and trauma significantly impair their functioning.

What to do?

At the first erectile dysfunction, if a possible physiological condition is not excluded, which affected not, you should consult a specialist. It is he who will conduct a thorough examination with the possible appointment of therapeutic measures. This will contribute not only to an improvement in the condition and a possible slowdown in progression, but also to the possible complete elimination of the cause. If there are no contributing situations, then you should definitely consult with other specialists.

Diagnostics

Initially, in order to find out the exact cause of the development of erectile dysfunction, you should consult a specialist. It is he who, already at the stage of consultation and questioning of all complaints and possible causes, as well as the conditions of occurrence, can suspect the underlying disease.

From laboratory methods, a blood test can be used for inflammation, as well as the determination of the level of hormones. Among them, the most important and determining the functional state of the reproductive system is testosterone. In some cases, an ultrasound examination of the organ and the use of a Doppler may be required. This study can be done in almost every medical institution.

If a malignant cause of erection problems is suspected, a puncture biopsy of tissues with subsequent examination can be used. In some cases, a bad spermogram can indirectly serve as a reason related to potency.

Treatment

Physiological causes of erectile dysfunction may not require additional drug treatment. In this case, normalization of the lifestyle, regular and adequate sleep, as well as reducing the stress effect on the body may be sufficient.

From pathological, the choice of further tactics is determined by the doctor. You cannot use any methods on your own. If you want to use drugs that increase potency, you should remember that they have a number of serious contraindications and side effects. And also they do not contribute in a different way to the elimination of the cause of the development of the pathological process.